United aiming to sign Wright
Sheffield Star 14 June 2003
SHEFFIELD United are poised to pull-off their first transfer swoop of the summer after opening talks with former Aston Villa star, Alan Wright.
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Meanwhile Mansfield boss and former United defender Keith Curle wants to offer Ben Doane the chance to resurrect his career at Field Mill.
Doane spent a period on loan with the Third Division club last season after struggling to hold down a regular place in United first team squad.
In a move Warnock described as "one of the most difficult of my career," the Bramall Lane boss opted to release the defender last month.
But Curle is ready to hand him an olive branch, saying: "Stags fans have not seen the best of Ben.
"While he was here he suffered a family bereavement and the birth of his child so he had a lot on his shoulders for a young man.
"Luckily I spent two years with him at United and know what he is capable of and believe he can do very well in the Third Division.
"I have spoken to Ben and I would love to bring him to the club if he can get over his ankle injury and return to peak fitness.
"He is a good listener and wants to learn. I have a lot of time for him."
Curle, who is being linked with the vacant assistant manager's job at United, added: "It's a buyer's market and I won't be rushed into anything.
"It will take time but players need to be re-educated about what clubs can realistically pay them."
Another player released by United, Grant Smith, says he would relish the chance of a permanent move to Plymouth where he has been on loan.